US-Material Planner

US - Material Planner I

The Material Planner I coordinates the procurement and inventory management of materials to support production schedules and meet customer demand. This role works closely with suppliers, production teams, and cross-functional stakeholders to ensure timely delivery of materials, optimal inventory levels, and alignment with quality and scheduling requirements. The position requires strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced manufacturing or production environment.

• Generate and maintain material requirements plans (MRP) based on production schedules, sales forecasts, and inventory targets.
• Coordinate with suppliers to procure materials, components, and parts according to production needs and lead times, ensuring timely delivery and adherence to quality standards.
• Monitor inventory levels of raw materials, finished goods, and components, and initiate replenishment orders as needed to prevent stockouts and minimize excess inventory.
• Collaborate with production teams to prioritize and schedule material deliveries, ensuring alignment with production schedules and customer requirements.
• Conduct regular inventory audits and cycle counts to verify accuracy, reconcile discrepancies, and update inventory records accordingly.
• Analyze demand patterns, consumption rates, and supplier performance metrics to identify opportunities for optimization and cost reduction.
• Communicate with cross-functional teams, including production, logistics, and purchasing, to resolve issues and mitigate risks related to material availability and supply chain disruptions.
• Use ERP/MRP systems and Microsoft Excel to manage materials planning, track inventory, and support data-driven decision-making.
• Support continuous improvement efforts by identifying process inefficiencies in materials planning and inventory management and recommending enhancements.

• Associate degree or 1–3 years of experience in materials planning, procurement, inventory management, or a related role.
• Knowledge of supply chain principles, inventory control techniques, and materials management best practices.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel for data analysis, reporting, and inventory tracking.
• Experience using ERP/MRP systems for materials planning and inventory management.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to analyze data, identify trends, and make data-driven decisions.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to collaborate effectively with internal and external stakeholders.
• Detail-oriented mindset with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Foundational understanding of production scheduling and material planning in a supply chain context.

• Certification or training in supply chain management or materials planning, such as APICS CPIM.
• Experience with lean manufacturing principles and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Familiarity with demand planning software and forecasting tools.
• Knowledge of procurement processes, supplier relationship management, and contract negotiation.
• Previous experience in a manufacturing or production environment.
• Experience working with SAP or similar enterprise resource planning systems.

This role operates in a fast-paced manufacturing or production-oriented environment where timely material availability is critical to meeting production schedules and customer demand. You will regularly use ERP/MRP systems, Microsoft Excel, and potentially SAP and other demand planning or forecasting tools to manage materials and inventory. The position involves frequent collaboration with production, logistics, and purchasing teams, as well as communication with external suppliers.

Work typically follows standard business hours, with periods of increased activity when production schedules and customer requirements demand close coordination and quick decision-making.

This is a Contract position based out of Davenport, IA.

The pay range for this position is $22.00 -…